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Monday, July 9, 2012

Review: The Last Princess

Galaxy Craze
Young Adult/Dystopian
295 pages
Poppy
Available Now
Received from publisher for review

THE STORY (from Goodreads)

Happily ever after is a thing of the past.

A
series of natural disasters has decimated the earth. Cut off from the
rest of the world, England is a dark place. The sun rarely shines, food
is scarce, and groups of criminals roam the woods, searching for prey.
The people are growing restless.

When a ruthless revolutionary
sets out to overthrow the crown, he makes the royal family his first
target. Blood is shed in Buckingham Palace, and only sixteen-year old
Princess Eliza manages to escape. Determined to kill the man who
destroyed her family, Eliza joins the enemy forces in disguise. She has
nothing left to live for but revenge, until she meets someone who helps
her remember how to hope-and love-once more.

Now she must risk everything to ensure that she does not become . . .

The Last Princess.

MY THOUGHTS

The Last Princess is a darker tale, presenting us with a futuristic London ravaged by seventeen days of unexplainable natural disasters to render it a barren wasteland plagued by poverty, unrest, and even cannibalism. However, in the middle of the ash and the rot stands the still beautiful Buckingham Palace, home to the Windsor royal family and symbol to those ruled by greed of what they crave most. Eliza’s story begins with tragedy, causing us to hit the ground running from the prologue and granting us not a moment’s breath until we reach the last page of the epilogue, swept up in a tidal wave of death, rebellion, and change as the royal family’s bountiful tables disappear and their beautiful fabrics turn to threadbare rags.

Eliza is a young woman who has our sympathy from the first page, watching through her eyes as her mother breathes her last breath after a successful assassination attempt, and she remains a young woman we root for throughout. Though we certainly care for her–the abrupt separation from her family bringing out our protective instincts–a connection to her remains purely superficial, our desire to see her reap her vengeance one we could attribute to any heroine experiencing the loss Eliza suffers rather than being a unique and poignant thread connecting us to Eliza herself.

Our reaction to the plot is similar to our more shallow relationship with Eliza, events extremely engaging but we seem to bounce from one situation to the next before we’ve really had time to emotionally invest and sink our fingers into the dark nuances of this story. Reading this first installment is a bit like jogging through an art museum; we’re able to cast quick, appreciative glances at the beauty or the pain depicted, but we miss out on all the exquisite intricacies we’d otherwise notice if we could take the time to stop and look. There’s so much potential in this story, the horror of Eliza’s situation right in front of us waiting to stampede across our hearts in shoes with spiked soles, but things move so quickly the grit doesn’t have time to settle, the wind caused by our rapid movement sweeping it off before that critical layer can build.

Overall, The Last Princess is an extremely quick read that’s easily consumed in a single sitting, we just can’t help but wish we were allowed to linger in a few places before we’re forced to move on with Eliza. So little information is provided with regard to the sudden rise to power of the man responsible for the queen’s death years prior, his army suddenly appearing thousands strong with little warning that trouble was even brewing to such a degree. Additionally, there are random “sun balls” that fall from the sky in this post-apocalyptic world, leftover remnants of the Seventeen Days, but they play such a minor role that we have to question the necessity of their presence at all. All the pieces that makeup The Last Princess are fascinating, and because they are so, we naturally want to know more about them only to find ourselves denied at every turn. Despite those flaws however, hope is ever present that book two will bring us the grittiness we seek, and give us those few extra moments to linger in Eliza's shoes.

33 comments:

I was intrigued by this concept and .. quite frankly, having "Princess" in the tittles is totally a selling point to me. However, I think I will wait until book 2 to see where the story goes and how it develops, seeing that you were not completely sold on the story...

There's something about this cover that I LOVE and I have thought that I want it even if its just for that. However I have seen a few reviews that say its mediocre, and could be so much more. So maybe I will wait for now. Still loving that cover though...

I haven't heard of this one at all. Sounds a bit shallow for the first book. Too bad as it does sound promising. Still, I might check it out if I ever get the chance. I bet the next book is deeper. Great review! Did I say glad you're back and safe? I am!

It's a shame that this book didn't blow you away! I was interested in it at first because I loved the idea of the English royalty in a post-apocalyptic setting but I've seen that a lot of people have been having the same mixed reactions as you. I usually like fast-paced books but it seems that this one might just be a little too fast-paced haha! Thanks for the review :)

I rated this around the same, Jenny! It had such a cool idea, but I wished we could've seen more of a developed side to Eliza too. She was such a sweet princess and I loved how she cared about her younger siblings -- so much potential! Same with the world :') But I'm really hoping that the second book will bring all too! *hopefully waits on the sequel*

This book sounds very interesting and yes, I love the cover. I haven't heard lots about it. Too bad that there wasn't a lot of information, but I do like the sound that it's a quick read. I like that. Great review.

The cover and title of the book absolutely intrigued me and I love how it's set in futuristic London! I've read a few mixed reviews and most bloggers said it's too fast-paced as well. I hate reading books that miss out too much detail - I always find myself wanting at least a back-story provided, otherwise I just get a bit sceptical. However, it must have been a very adventurous read if you finished it in one sitting so I'm glad you liked it :)

Aw, I was so looking forward to this one. I'll still probably read it but on a day when I'm not feeling so critical :) It's too bad you felt that Eliza lacked depth and that the plot was so fast-paced that it doesn't give you time to process information.

Okay, that made me laugh. I've read a lot of meh reviews for this one--sad because the premise is awesome! But, you know, if you can't connect with the characters and the plot is all go-go-go, it just doesn't earn the deep love of its readers.

I haven't really considered this book, but think I might give it a go as a library read. It sounds interesting enough, but it's a shame a few aspects remains unexplored or underdeveloped. Still, hopefully the second book will deliver where this one hasn't. Great review, Jenny! :)

Hi Jenny! I am back! I have just briefly seen this one around and didn't know much about it. I know that I would agree with you over the frustration on the lack of detail. Sun balls sound interesting, though. I kind of think the grit blowing away before it settles is not all bad, Call me chicken but I can only handle so much anxiety in my reads, especially right before bed!

I like apocalyptic books, but I'm a bit on the fence with this one. I'm thinking about waiting until the second book comes out before I make my decision. I like my questions answered! LOL I gotta have more info on those sun balls. I just know it would bother me.

I must say that in spite of the obvious sounding flaws of the book, you've definitely managed to capture my interest. Eliza sounds like one of those characters whose story and character will gradually unfold. However, I reckon I'll probably wait until book two is out before I pick book 1 up, that way, the story may flow a little more seamlessly. Beautifully written review as always Jenny!

oh, interesting review. I've read a lot of bad reviews for this one so it's kinda put me off from reading it, but I'm willing to give it a try. I have it for review from LB anyways, so I guess I should give it a try. . .

Your review does sway me a little, though! May have to squeeze it in this week.

GREAT review! I really want to read this, even though I do NOT have high expectations... (Maybe I'll love it, lol) But your review definitely made me want to read it! Sun balls falling from the sky? Sounds amazing, albeit random. ;) Sounds like you enjoyed it, and I'm hoping I will too! :)

Your perspective on the fast pace of The Last Princess was more favorable than mine. I agree that it made for a shallow relationship with Eliza, but I never felt like I wanted to see more. It lacked those intriguing bits and pieces that made me want to slow down. Still, I like the concept of the book. I just wish it had been more successful in its execution.

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